Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Khawaja Saad Rafique, has stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the region, warning that if war breaks out, India will suffer far more than Pakistan. Speaking at an event in Lahore, Saad Rafique emphasized the dire consequences of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
He highlighted that despite India’s efforts and billions of dollars spent promoting the idea of “Akhand Bharat” (Greater India), the bonds between Pakistan and Kashmir have only grown stronger. Rafique noted that India’s attempts to weaken Kashmir’s connection with Pakistan have failed, as the region’s people continue to stand by Pakistan.
Reflecting on the history of regional conflicts, Rafique said, “Our incompetence and India’s conspiracies led to the creation of Bangladesh, and despite remaining estranged for decades, Bangladesh has now returned to its roots, challenging India’s efforts to influence it.”
Rafique also pointed out that the idea of constantly seeking to defeat one another should be replaced by the need for peaceful dialogue. On the Kashmir issue, he called for talks based on UN resolutions and the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir, which he argued India must respect. He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear capability was a direct response to India’s provocations.
Addressing the recent tensions, Rafique stated that Pakistan has handled the crisis appropriately and urged India to respond positively to the call for impartial investigations into incidents like the Pahalgam attack. He also remarked on the need for India to reconsider its approach towards Pakistan, warning that war would only result in greater losses for India.
He criticized the Indian leadership for using aggressive rhetoric while ignoring the broader consequences of military conflict. Finally, Rafique called for better management of water resources, criticizing the lack of infrastructure projects like the Kalabagh Dam and the current state of electricity and water management in Pakistan.
